The 9 Levers / Move
7 Go Around, Not Through
Indirect beats direct. Let them think it's their idea.
Tell people they're wrong and they dig in. Push and they push back. Ask questions, offer choices, frame it as a shared cause — people follow a path they believe they chose.
Built from: The 48 Laws of Power; The 33 Strategies of War; The Art of War; The Laws of Human Nature; Never Split the Difference; The Art of Seduction; The Charisma Myth; King, Warrior, Magician, Lover.
Train this lever
- Influence by Cialdini Review: 6 Shortcuts and Their LimitsOur review of Robert Cialdini's Influence: the six triggers behind a quick yes, where the evidence is thin, and how to use them honestly.
- How to Deal With a Difficult Boss (and Keep Your Spine)A five-step way to work with a boss who is hard to read or hard to please: understand their style, name the real issue and ask for what you need.
- How to Get Promoted: Skill, Sponsors and the AskHow promotions really happen: build rare skill, make it seen, find a sponsor, ask clearly, and know when to move. Clean moves only.
- Office Politics: How to Win Without Becoming a SnakeOffice politics is real, and ignoring it costs you. Learn to read the game, build allies, protect yourself and win while keeping your name clean.
- Power at Work: How to Get Respect, Status and InfluenceA plain guide to real power at work: how people judge you, how to show strength with warmth, stay calm, and move things without a fight.
- When Someone Takes Credit for Your Work: What to DoA colleague or boss took credit for your work. How to prevent it, respond calmly, escalate if needed, and know when to let it go.